By Brenda O’Dell of Kearney, Missouri, USA

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Sovereign God of all,
help me keep my focus on you.
Remind me of times I have not walked alone
for you were always by my side,

Even and especially in dark hours
of doubt and fear, of sorrow and grief,
headstrong rebellion,
mindless independence

Joyless duty or selfish resentment
my heart hard, shriveled within
a cold rock where grace and forgiveness
could not grow or bloom.

Soften and enlarge it now, I pray.
Let it swell and bloom and open
to room within for all broken souls—
the proud and strong,

the meek and kind,
the seeker and the escapee,
the failure and the winner,
the lost and forsaken,

of whom I am but one.
Help me remember
through life’s many chapters
always, always you are with me.

And though I may have felt alone,
you are the air I breathe, blood in my veins
very beat of my heart,
never, never, am I lost to Thee.

Prayer Phrase

“For by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8).

Spiritual Practice

The Jesus Prayer of Mercy

The Jesus Prayer is an ancient spiritual practice from Orthodox Christianity. It is a way of connecting with the gracious Spirit of Christ as we ask to receive his mercy. The prayer comes from the scripture of the blind man calling Jesus to heal him. Silently enter prayer and let your breath become slow and even. Greet God and then take up the prayer phrase: Lord, Jesus Christ (as you breathe in) … have mercy on me (as you breathe out). Prayerfully repeat these words for several minutes (or forty times). Breathe the presence of Christ into your mind, heart, and body. Be transformed as you receive the compassionate, peaceful heart of Jesus.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.